The state of Wisconsin fell to 44th out of 50 states in public funding of four-year universities, according to the State Higher Education Finance report released this week. In response, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced today that nearly 800 business officials, business groups and individuals had signed a letter of support for additional state investment in the system.

“The UWs are proud to be joined today by business leaders to share the support of hundreds of representatives of businesses and organizations throughout the state,” Rothman said in a press release. “Coming from the private sector, they know what I know – that Wisconsin will not win the war for talent if it does not make sound and competitive investments in higher education.”

Among the signatories are representatives from numerous Milwaukee-area organizations and businesses including the Milwaukee Bucks, Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, Bartolotta Restaurants, Quad/Graphics, Snap-On, Uline and more. Twenty business groups from around the state have also signed on, including the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, the Greater Milwaukee Committee, the HOAN Group and more.

Rothman has made numerous calls for the state Legislature to approve the Universities of Wisconsin request for $855 million in public funding, which it has been reluctant to increase in recent legislative sessions.

“We are the single largest talent magnet the state has,” Rothman said during a Business Journal Power Breakfast event in February. “If we don’t invest in higher education, we risk losing that competitive edge.”

Read more at the Milwaukee Business Journal.